This is a BLOG from Mark Cochrane of Business Strategies Group in Hong Kong. We've been keeping a close watch on B2B media and business information in Asia since 2000 and look forward to sharing insights with you.

The inaugural event will run from 27th to 29th October this year. Product categories on show from exhibitors will range from catering equipment to food and beverage, while a country pavilion from the U.S. will also be present. A competition at the event has also been organised to attract interest from professional local chefs, where a chance to attend sister show Hotelympia in London is on offer.

Chairman of Montgomery, Sandy Angus, was quoted saying, “The resurgence of Sri Lanka as a world-class tourist destination means the time is right for HHF to establish as an international event of regional importance. We’re confident it will become a popular fixture for hotel and hospitality professionals for South Asia.”

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News this week: The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has launched a new campaign for incentive groups from China. Both planner and groups of more than 50 people will qualify for the campaign. The event itself must be held by 2013 and book before the end of this year.

For groups of 500 participants and above, other privileges such food and beverage cost, a welcome drink, personalised gifts and police outriders for one return trip from hotel to dinner venue will also be provided.

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service.You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

News this week: According to a report by TTGAsia, a new exhibition centre has been opened in Gandhinagar in the state of Gujarat in western India. The venue, named the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Center, will reportedly be India’s second largest international convention centre when complete, behind the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC).

Currently in operation, phase one of the venue reportedly comprises of a 5,000-capacity convention centre, three seminar halls with 500-capacity each and a fourth hall with 1,000-capacity, three exhibition halls with a total space of 10,000 m2, and a selection of meeting and conference rooms. Phase two, due to open in December this year, will feature a museum, library, outdoor theatre and a research centre on Mahatma Gandhi.

The venue’s administration is currently handled by the Industrial Extension Bureau of the government of Gujarat. A plan of an open tender for venue management by local or international management companies is being considered.

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service.You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.